5
Simple, Yet Intense.
I just completed this around a year after starting it, and I have to say, I probably would've rated this much lower had I finished it back then. Keeping it aside for a while managed to bring about a gap in understanding the characters’ actions. (I had stopped at EP8.)
When a humble stuntman named Joe accidentally encounters Ming, the brother-in-law of the famous actor, Tong, whom he performs for, sparks fly instantly.
Unbeknownst to him, Ming is secretly disgruntled and upset about being inadvertently ignored by Tong, whom he had a crush on. He takes the chance to bait the easy going Joe as a distraction and soon strikes up an ambiguous relationship with him. However, the lonely Joe's life is brightened by his presence and he falls deeply for Ming. Things turn dark when the truth is out and Joe is cornered and forced to pay with his life.
He wakes up in the body of another man named Joe, who had had an accident the same time as him. Now, with a new body and an ailing mother to take care of, Joe decides to start over his life and quietly assumes the identity of the body's owner. However, Ming once again re-enters his life.
☆ My Thoughts:
I remember several discourses going on in the comment section of the drama while it was still on air. Particularly of the ‘red flag’ and the characterization of Ming.
He might also be a difficult character to portray as he doesn't really talk much at all – always bottling up his frustrations and hiding behind a wall. Which is why most of his actions (some which he did purely due to his confidence in the power of money, a “very strong” theme which is scattered all over the show) come off as almost sociopathic.
While it might not be clear to some viewers, it's evident that he was using Joe as a distraction from sadness right from their second meeting. The trouble was, Joe was too humble minded and open hearted to see this. To him, Ming was someone who would return home to him; wait for him at home, cook for him and abate his loneliness.
For a guy who could get anything with a snap of his fingers, Ming doesn't realise the damage he was doing to someone like Joe.
Which is why, him going after Joe a second time annoyed me to no end.
Mr. Pinky aka Sol was right in several instances. Though, I have to say his care for Joe stemmed more from regret rather than actual emotions, I am glad that he was literally the only level headed character who could meet Ming head on.
Both the leading actors were really,really good. Like… I could find no chinks in their armour. The production value for this show seems to be rather high. So, I guess that this was a serious project. Also, Ming's wardrobe was particularly noteworthy. Heck, some of his outfits didn't even look as if they'd be considered normal outside of the runway (that pyjama style set), but he managed to pull it off.
The lighting and camera work were apt and not overdone. The aesthetics were also pleasant so, it was easy on the eyes without going overboard.
I particularly liked how the relationship between families was portrayed. And how important it was to their relationship. Though, I have to say, Ming didn't get punished enough for his thoughtless actions.
Also, the theme of the power of money and how people are ultimately forced to bow to it. This is a sad reality of life. Joe and his coworkers would always be underlings to the mighty and rich. It reminded me of the recently released movie where the main message was how the main character was ultimately not respected even as a basic human.
For example, there is one character in particular who got off scott free. But, it was going to eventually happen anyways.
☆ Final Thoughts:
I wouldn't call this drama a master-piece or something out of the box. The story is very simple and straightforward, but the conflicting emotions it manages to bring about is definitely something. So, kudos to the writers for that. Also, the cast and crew has put in A LOT of effort to bring their vision to life, so this is a must-watch if you are looking for something simple, yet intense.
When a humble stuntman named Joe accidentally encounters Ming, the brother-in-law of the famous actor, Tong, whom he performs for, sparks fly instantly.
Unbeknownst to him, Ming is secretly disgruntled and upset about being inadvertently ignored by Tong, whom he had a crush on. He takes the chance to bait the easy going Joe as a distraction and soon strikes up an ambiguous relationship with him. However, the lonely Joe's life is brightened by his presence and he falls deeply for Ming. Things turn dark when the truth is out and Joe is cornered and forced to pay with his life.
He wakes up in the body of another man named Joe, who had had an accident the same time as him. Now, with a new body and an ailing mother to take care of, Joe decides to start over his life and quietly assumes the identity of the body's owner. However, Ming once again re-enters his life.
☆ My Thoughts:
I remember several discourses going on in the comment section of the drama while it was still on air. Particularly of the ‘red flag’ and the characterization of Ming.
He might also be a difficult character to portray as he doesn't really talk much at all – always bottling up his frustrations and hiding behind a wall. Which is why most of his actions (some which he did purely due to his confidence in the power of money, a “very strong” theme which is scattered all over the show) come off as almost sociopathic.
While it might not be clear to some viewers, it's evident that he was using Joe as a distraction from sadness right from their second meeting. The trouble was, Joe was too humble minded and open hearted to see this. To him, Ming was someone who would return home to him; wait for him at home, cook for him and abate his loneliness.
For a guy who could get anything with a snap of his fingers, Ming doesn't realise the damage he was doing to someone like Joe.
Which is why, him going after Joe a second time annoyed me to no end.
Mr. Pinky aka Sol was right in several instances. Though, I have to say his care for Joe stemmed more from regret rather than actual emotions, I am glad that he was literally the only level headed character who could meet Ming head on.
Both the leading actors were really,really good. Like… I could find no chinks in their armour. The production value for this show seems to be rather high. So, I guess that this was a serious project. Also, Ming's wardrobe was particularly noteworthy. Heck, some of his outfits didn't even look as if they'd be considered normal outside of the runway (that pyjama style set), but he managed to pull it off.
The lighting and camera work were apt and not overdone. The aesthetics were also pleasant so, it was easy on the eyes without going overboard.
I particularly liked how the relationship between families was portrayed. And how important it was to their relationship. Though, I have to say, Ming didn't get punished enough for his thoughtless actions.
Also, the theme of the power of money and how people are ultimately forced to bow to it. This is a sad reality of life. Joe and his coworkers would always be underlings to the mighty and rich. It reminded me of the recently released movie where the main message was how the main character was ultimately not respected even as a basic human.
For example, there is one character in particular who got off scott free. But, it was going to eventually happen anyways.
☆ Final Thoughts:
I wouldn't call this drama a master-piece or something out of the box. The story is very simple and straightforward, but the conflicting emotions it manages to bring about is definitely something. So, kudos to the writers for that. Also, the cast and crew has put in A LOT of effort to bring their vision to life, so this is a must-watch if you are looking for something simple, yet intense.
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